GLASTONBURY TOLD TO FIX AIR PROBLEMS AT SCHOOL

TINA A. BROWN; Courant Staff WriterTHE HARTFORD COURANT

Deficiencies in the heating and air conditioning system at Glastonbury High School are among the problems the school board must "immediately rectify," according to the New England Association of Schools & Colleges' commission on secondary schools.

The word "immediately" is something board of education Chairwoman Suzanne Galvin said she takes seriously. "These are things we are responsible for," Galvin said.

She was referring to the commission's recommendations, which were presented to the school system in May. The recommendations were made public Monday night, and seek improvements to the school's facilities and more funding for curriculum and enrollment.

* Communicate to faculty how funding for curriculum development and professional growth has been allocated to support district and building goals and objectives.

* Develop a positive response to the sense of frustration some staff members feel about the town's willingness to pay vs. the town's ability to pay.

* Inform the town and the school community as early as possible about the financial impact of pending increases in the high school population.

Since May, the school system has set up a committee to follow up on the recommendations and to develop progress reports three times during the next school year. The final reports are due Sept. 26, Jan. 23 and May 29.

Some things, such as improving lighting in the auditorium, are important because classes meet there, Galvin said.

Superintendent of Schools Jackie Jacoby said the board should meet with the facilities committee to discuss how the recommendations should be addressed.

After reviewing the recommendations, school board member Michele Fontaine asked Jacoby for a status report of items that must still be done.

The commission conducts a review of high schools in New England every 10 years. The review determines whether a school maintains its accreditation.